This might be a long post and I apologize for that but I really need suggestions and advice. I had failed my COMLEX 1 early on because of severe health problems despite getting in 500s in my COMSAE earlier this year. My med school allowed me to continue with my 3rd yr rotations, thinking that I’ll be able to seek the required medical help and pass eventually. I was fine for my first three rotations, but came to a point where I barely passed my COMAT shelf exams because it was practically impossible to divide time between 14 hr clinical shifts/COMLEX 1 studying/shelf along with battling health issues. I felt miserable after every rotation because I thought, I could have really done more if this COMLEX1 and my bad health was not in the middle of my path. My health wasn’t getting better and it was effecting each and every aspect of my third year life. I am at a point where I’m really tired and am getting bouts of depression. I spent my Christmas in my room studying, and didn’t have any desire to socialize during the entire holidays. I would like to apply for a ‘leave of absence’ for a semester, so I can reenergize my motivation, take care of my health, see a psychiatrist, and get the COMLEX1 out of the way. However, at the same time, I’m worried if I do this, I‘ll have to finish my left over 3rd year rotation in the fall 2016 when my classmates will be auditioning, and I cannot apply for Audition rotation until Fall 2017. I am already a non-traditional student and I don’t know if delaying graduation is the right thing to do and how would the Residency Program look at this situation. At the same time, it is difficult to balance board studying /rotations anymore with the way things are. I would really like to get some suggestions so I can direct myself towards the right path